It’s also the most frustrating one.

And this comes from someone that spent 5 years being a correctional nurse.

Seriously, doesn’t it seem like everyone else has it figured out? Everywhere you turn is someone who seems to be making a gillion dollars after 3 months of blogging.

And here you sit. Struggling with engagement, pumping out content, writing to your email list, doing ALL the things. You invest, you learn, and you haven’t seen that return yet.

That little time before you actually start making money is one of the hardest times in blogging.

It’s also the time that people generally give up.

Of course, there will always be ups and downs. Like when you finally figure out a social media network and then an algorithm change tanks your traffic. Or when you set up an opt-in that took you awhile to put together and no one subscribes. It’s frustrating, right?!

I totally get it, I’ve been there and it’s not fun.

But then I discovered worksheets. The one thing I consistently make for my blog (aside from newsletter content) is worksheets.

Worksheets are great because they help people take action. If they are taking action, they are implementing your strategies. Once people have success with your methods, you have not only helped them but you have now established trust with this person. They know their life is easier when they listen to you.

And that makes “selling to them” a whole lot easier. They will trust your suggestions because you are genuinely trying to help them, and they know that you know what you’re talking about!

There are actually 5 amazing ways to use worksheets that will grow your business. I feel though, that people don’t make them simply because of the design aspect. It’s not that hard, trust me.

And bonus! I actually have 3 FREE pre-made worksheet templates for you to use (which takes the design aspect right out of it!) available right here!

And side note: there’s also other awesome templates in the library like 10 lead magnets, a media kit, social media graphics, and so much more!

Here’s how you can use printable worksheets to grow your blog:

(We will get to “making them” in a minute!)

As a content upgrade

Worksheets make a great content upgrade, especially any kind of informational or instructional post. Anytime you are walking someone through a solution, adding a worksheet helps transform your words from theory to action.

Check out this post for some awesome examples of worksheet content upgrades.

Plus, it helps the person have your information and the work they put in for future reference. (Not to mention, this helps grow your email list!)

Actionable task for your email list

My biggest email strategy is taking a recent post and expanding on it in a more actionable way. I want someone to close my email and be so motivated that they actually go do the thing I’ve called them to do.

Having a worksheet makes that really easy. Being able to say, “download and fill out the worksheet attached” is easier than “Now go do all the things I just talked about”. Not to mention, it actually helps increase your click through rate!

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a good worksheet.

To get people working for it

I’ve started to see giveaways now that are a little more than “sign up for my email list”

And I love it.

Here’s why. When you have a giveaway and all you want them to do is sign up for your list- it might get those people on your list.. BUT, they are on your list because they want that free thing and that’s it.

I’ve almost always found that people who sign up for a giveaway, never even open an email unless the subject line is “Congrats, you’re the winner”

Which makes your list cold (not good). The thing is when you make them work for it, you are getting them involved and you are actually giving them a little sample of what you have to offer.

I’ve seen giveaways with daily “challenges” and the people are only entered to win if they complete all the challenges. I’ve also seen ones with a set of questions to answer. Putting together a quick worksheet is a good way to have all your answers organized and easy to refer to.

If someone puts in the time and effort to win your free thing, chances are they are way more interested in you and your business and likely to be a good lead for future sales.

As a product

My favorite thing to do with the worksheets I send to my email list? Repurpose them. I take all the similar ones, create a few more, and then put them together as a workbook. BAM; product!

And product = income.

As part of your e-course

So you have your heart set on an e-course? Guess what! You still need worksheets! — same goes for webinars!

Worksheets, again, help put your module or lesson into action. If you are getting people to take action, they are going to implement your ideas and (hopefully) have success.

If they have success (or even simply finish your course) they will get so much more out of it. You will have satisfied customers, and you will be making a difference in these peoples lives.

You will probably want to also include checklists and other printable material in your course, but the same design principles apply.

Here’s what you need to make worksheets (the easiest way):

Canva

My Worksheet templates (at the bottom of the post)

My Headings template (optional- you can find this in my resource library)

Open the worksheets template in Canva and make a copy. Rename the document something related to your project with good keywords.

There will be 3 pages with 3 different designs. Choose the design you like the best and delete the other two pages.

If you choose not to use the template, you will need to start with a blank page from Canva (I use the 8inx11.5in letter-sized page). Add an eye-catching header and a border. Add content, design elements, boxes, and other items as needed (like checkboxes, charts, etc)

Side note: You can learn the easiest way to make lines and charts in our Canva 101 Workshop here.

Worksheets are great to help grow your business.

I am all about actionable advice, and worksheets help people implement ideas. You want your readers to take action. I promise that it will make it a whole lot easier when you are wanting them to click that “buy” button.

GET 3 FREE WORKSHEET TEMPLATES NOW + 10 OPT IN TEMPLATES

Just fill out the form below for access to these templates in our free design library!! ⬇

This template is available in our FREE Design Library! Fill out the form below to get access!

When you sign up to our email list you'll get instant access to this canva template, PLUS you'll get access to all of our tutorials and tools in our design library as well!

Comments

I am so glad I found your website! I have been struggling with creating pretty graphics for my blog on Canva. I know your blog is still new but it’s a wonder more people haven’t discovered you yet. Thanks so much for all your free resources. I used one of your templates earlier today! Keep doing what you’re doing!
-Leah

Great tips. I want to offer printables but I’m just getting started. I can already think of 2 recent posts where a worksheet would’ve been a great addiction. I’ll be downloading the templates to check out and maybe use until I figure the rest of this out. Thank you.

I LOVE worksheets I think this is such a brilliant idea – just signed up for your templates because even though I love designing them, time is a factor in my #momlife! Thank you for them and the tips!!

I just popped on Pinterest to find posts that would help me and clicked on yours… when it started routing me here, I was like “wait a minute, this is Kara!” Since I’m on your Facebook group and email already, I thought I’d let you know how much I adore your content and your personality! I always get something out of everything I read from you, so thanks!

Truth time. Every single thing you design represents you and your brand. But close is only good in horseshoes and handgrenades. If your social media graphics, products, and lead magnets are not jumping off the page and grabbing people-- they won’t be noticed. You need to stand out. You need to capture people long enough for them to actually read your brilliant words. Simplifying DIY Design is here to help you create astonishing graphics that jump off the page. What does that mean for you? More impact. More growth. More money. Read More!

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Are you a blogger wanting to create better graphics to grow your blog?

Hi! I'm Kara and my mission is to teach you how to design better graphics that grow your blog AND provide you super simple, easy to use tools to make it happen!

If you'd like to grab our 10 free canva lead magnet template pack just pop your email in the form below and I'll send over access to the designed-for-you templates along with the password to our free library of templates, exclusive tutorials, and design tools :-) Welcome, I'm so glad you're here!!!